BBOWT's response to the Rosefield Solar Farm proposal
BBOWT strongly oppose the proposed location of Rosefield Solar Farm. The area is one of the best remaining ecologically important landscapes in southern England. It is nationally important for rare habitats and species, such as wildflower meadows, hairstreak butterflies, bats and ancient woodland. The area is already under huge pressure from infrastructure projects including East West Rail and High Speed Two, which intersect just to the north-west of the proposed project area. The size and scale of the solar farm are inappropriate for this area, and whilst BBOWT understand the need for sustainable renewable energy, green spaces should not be the first-choice location for solar panels, instead siting them on buildings such as warehouse roofs.
The proposed solar farm lies adjacent to numerous blocks of ancient woodland:
- Finemere Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and BBOWT Nature Reserve
- Sheephouse Wood SSSI
- Runts Wood Local Wildlife Site (LWS)
- Balmore Wood LWS
- Greatsea Wood LWS
- Romer Wood LWS
- Home Wood, Middle Claydon LWS
- Shrubs Wood LWS
- Decoypond Wood LWS
These woodlands are prime relics of Bernwood Forest and are well-structured with woodland rides and high species diversity, supporting unique and complex ecological communities. They are irreplaceable habitats. These woodlands need to be reconnected, not severed by solar panels.